Conference Venue ● Cluster 2026
The conference venue for IEEE Cluster 2026 is Academic Building One at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America.
Ground Transportation
✈ From Dulles International Airport (IAD)
-
Metro (Metrorail Silver Line): Take the Silver Line toward Downtown, then transfer
(usually at Rosslyn or Metro Center) to the Blue or Yellow Line toward Alexandria.
- Cost: Approx. $4–$13 | Travel time: ~1h 10m+
- Payment: Use the SmarTrip app
✈ From Reagan National Airport (DCA) — Closest airport
-
Metro (Blue or Yellow Line): The conference venue is just one stop from DCA —
take the Blue or Yellow Line one stop to Potomac Yard station.
- Payment: Use the SmarTrip app
✈ From BWI – Baltimore/Washington International Airport
BWI is approximately 40 miles away. Estimated travel time is ~1 hour by car, or 1.5–2.5 hours by train/transit.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): ~$78 for UberX, ~$100 for UberXL. Travel time approx. 50–60 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxi: Approximately $120–$150. Travel time approx. 50–60 minutes.
- Amtrak: Direct trains run from BWI Airport Rail Station (accessible via a free shuttle from the terminal) to Alexandria Amtrak Station. Tickets start around $17–$21.
- MARC Train + Metro: Take the MARC Penn Line from BWI to Washington Union Station, then transfer to the Metro (Yellow/Blue Line) to Alexandria. This is often the most cost-effective public transit option.
Hotel Accommodation
The following hotels have been reserved at a group rate for conference attendees. Please book before the cut-off dates to guarantee the conference rate.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town
1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, VA | Sept 22–25, 2026
Reservation Link — TBA Hotel Website ↗Taxes & Fees
- Sales Tax: 15.5%
- Alexandria City Occupancy Tax: $1.25 per room, per night
Rate Includes
- Daily hot buffet breakfast with cooked-to-order omelets (valued at $25/person/day)
- Evening reception with beer, wine, rail drinks & light snacks (valued at $30/person/night)
- Discounted overnight parking at $25/night (standard rate $40)
- Complimentary guestroom Wi-Fi
Getting Here
- King St. Old Town Metro Station (Blue & Yellow Lines) is directly across the street — providing easy access to D.C. and a direct connection to Reagan National Airport (DCA).
- Free King Street Trolley departs from across the street, running down historic King Street to the waterfront — a convenient way to explore Old Town Alexandria.
Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport
2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA | Sept 21–26, 2026
Reservation Link — TBA Hotel Website ↗Taxes & Fees
- Service fees: 26%
- Tax: 11%
Complimentary Inclusions
- Shuttle to/from Reagan National Airport (DCA) on hotel's daily schedule
- Wi-Fi in all paid guestrooms, Cinnabar Restaurant, and LobbiBar
- Use of Stay Fit by Hyatt gym (24/7)
- 10% off Encore needs
- World of Hyatt reward points (1 bonus point per eligible US dollar spent, up to 50,000)
Parking
- Valet: $50/night ($60 for SUVs or larger) — subject to availability
- Hourly: $18 (1–2 hrs) | $28 (2–4 hrs) | $38 (4–6 hrs) | overnight rate thereafter
Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza
1333 North Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA | Sept 22–25, 2026
Reservation Link — TBA Hotel Website ↗Taxes & Fees
- Sales Tax: 15.5%
- Alexandria City Occupancy Tax: $1.25 per room, per night
Rate Includes
- Discounted overnight parking at $30/night
- Complimentary guestroom Wi-Fi
Visa Procedures
You can check whether you will require a visa to attend the conference by visiting the US Government website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
We recommend that you start your visa application process as early as possible as we require all papers to be presented at the conference in Alexandria, Virginia in person. We will be able to provide letters of invitation to all registered attendees. We can also provide you with an "intent to participate" letter that states you have submitted a paper/poster to the conference and are awaiting the outcome of the review process before registering - this may allow you to start your visa application earlier. Note that the intent to participate is not the same as a letter of invitation, which you would still need to request in addition after completing the registration.
Please email TBD to request either:
- a "letter of invitation". Use the subject line "Request for letter of invitation" and please include the reference shown under "Booking Details" in the registration confirmation email you receive.
- a letter confirming your "intent to participate" in the conference. Use the subject line "Request for letter of intent to participate" and please clearly state the paper/poster submission ID and title.